BOLTON'S connection with Lancashire CC was strengthened with the appointment of Warren Hegg as captain.

The former Tonge wicketkeeper will team up with new cricket manager Mike Watkinson, who lives at Bromley Cross.

He takes the reins from John Crawley who was sacked at the end of a disappointing season and will become the first wicketkeeper to officially captain the county.

Hegg, aged 33, who has been selected as one of England's two wicketkeeper's for the Test match tours to India and New Zealand, was delighted at the decision.

"This is great news, particularly after my selection for England this winter," he said. "There is a great team spirit at Lancashire and with our blend of youth and experience, I am looking forward to working with our new cricket manager and getting the club back to the winning ways we experienced throughout the 1990s."

Club chairman Jack Simmons added: "Warren is a Lancastrian through and through and is a true 100 percenter. I cannot think of a more enthusiastic cricketer and I feel sure his positive influence on the team will reflect in the team's peformances."